Eight ‘Standing Up for Rural Wisconsin’ recipients named

October 26, 2018

From the Department of Public Instruction

Projects that have students learning maple syrup production and career and independent living skills, and encouraging them to consider careers in education are among eight receiving 2018 Standing Up for Rural Wisconsin Schools, Libraries, and Communities awards.

Nominated by educators throughout the state, the projects will be recognized during the 10th Annual Wisconsin Rural Schools Alliance Conference October 29-30 in Wisconsin Dells. The projects are

Bringing the Barn to School Project, Medford Agriculture Department.

F.I.E.L.D. Corps and Youth Summit, Wisconsin Green Schools Network.

Building a Teacher Candidate Pipeline, University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh.

Oneida Community Integrated Food System, Oneida.

Special Need Students Building Career Skills through Small Rural School-based Businesses, New Auburn.

Independent Living Enrichment Project, Grantsburg.

Empty Bowls School and Community Service Project, Black River Falls.

Owen-Withee School Forest Maple Project.

“These programs are born from the collaboration among schools, libraries, and communities that is vital to keeping rural Wisconsin strong,” said State Superintendent Tony Evers. “Recognizing these efforts showcases the innovation and involvement that define vibrant communities and make them great places to raise kids.”

A message from President Bell

My name is Debra Bell and I am the president of WEAC Region 1. I am very excited to be leading our region again this year. I have taught for 34 years at Boyceville Community School District. I have been secretary, vice president, head negotiator, president and have served on the executive board for both the region and the state. There are many exciting things happening in our union, in our locals, in our region, and in our state! I would like to encourage each member to get involved and commit to doing at least one thing or more this year. It can be as simple as going to WEAC.org and taking time to look at what is happening. Or try to attend a meeting, read our newsletters, and "like" our facebook site. I chose to step up because I'm confident that you will too!

Our executive board, our Region 1 staff directors, and our secretary work hard to meet all of our needs. They have stepped up to take leadership roles in our region! It would be wonderful if all of you also made a commitment to get involved, too. Join the conversation. Help us help each other! We really love what we do, and the more people who come to meetings, attend events, and read our Facebook site, the the more unified we are and the stronger we become!

In Solidarity,
Debra H. Bell
Region 1 President

WEAC News

Constant communication and outreach are the keys to keeping the Beaver Dam Education Association strong, BDEA leaders told WEAC Vice President Peggy Wirtz-Olsen in her latest Spotlight on Locals column. “We work to educate our members on how to be an active member and how to get involved on the district level,” said Past President Kris Schumacher, a middle school art teacher.

WEAC is a co-sponsor of Every Teacher a Leader training June 25-26 in Madison. Teacher leaders are the heart of successful schools. Every Teacher a Leader promotes, supports, and grows teacher leadership and voice. Develop your ideas and meet others who can support you along the way. Register by March 29!